Sir Alex Ferguson is still optimistic he can add a striker to his squad before the start of the Premier League season after suggesting he is "looking at options elsewhere" as Tottenham continue to resist his attempts to sign Dimitar Berbatov. Manchester United claimed the first trophy of the new season with a penalty shoot-out success over Portsmouth but despite Carlos Tevez catching the eye, they were unable to take apart the FA Cup winners in the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to have recovered from a virus contracted on the pre-season tour of Nigeria in time to play some part in Sunday's visit of Newcastle, but this 0-0 draw will have strengthened the Scot's resolve to add to his options up front.

Berbatov remains the primary target - Spurs are seeking around £30m, but would rather sell him to another club - though relations will have to improve between two clubs before a deal could be thrashed out. With that in mind, and perhaps to prompt Spurs into relaxing their stance, Ferguson claimed he may look elsewhere. Reports yesterday linked him with a move for Thierry Henry, now at Barcelona.

"It's possible we'll sign someone this week," he said. "We're trying. We have one or two options and we hope to get it done before the start of the season. There's nothing more to say on Berbatov. We're looking at options elsewhere. We'd like to add to our squad and are making moves in that direction. It's been a pressing issue since the end of last season. We always look to operate with four strikers and aren't able to do it [at the moment].

"There is some light at the end of the tunnel. We're going to apply for Manucho's work permit and we're hopeful we'll get that. Danny Welbeck is coming through and will be back in two or three weeks. Fraizer Campbell's showing the progress we expect of him and is a handful. It's not a bad thing, relying on youth. The team was playing well today, dominating possession and having some good chances. I know we're having a problem scoring, but we'll have players coming back and we will eventually add to the squad."

Ferguson was left to eulogise over the performance of Rio Ferdinand, outstanding in front of the watching Fabio Capello. The Italian will decide upon his England captain ahead of next week's friendly against the Czech Republic, with this another display to enhance the United man's prospects. Gary Neville, his team-mate, suggested Ferdinand is " the best defender in the country at the moment".

Ferguson added: "Rio's an absolutely magnificent player who's approaching his best. On that basis, he's becoming the best central defender in the world by far. It was an exemplary display at centre-back, intercepting every ball that came towards him and breaking out of central defence with comfort.

"But there were some other fine performances out there. Look at Carlos Tevez. A year ago he'd been to the Copa America and he was not as fit as he is today. He's light years ahead of that. I expect big things from him this season. He's got a lot of heart to play the game, is never intimidated, fights for every ball that comes near him. He's a real handful."